Four problems related to steering have been reported for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 1998 4Runner.
The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.
I was driving home from work and I was pulling into my home driveway traveling about 5 mph. The right lower ball joint failed and separated from the steering knuckle. The initial noise I heard sounded like I had driven over a metal trash can which made me suddenly stop my vehicle. When I got out and looked to see what had happened, the attached picture is what I saw. I am so thankful that I was not driving on the highway!.
Vehicle started shaking and clunking. I was near home and able to get it back to my driveway. Upon towing to the mechanic, it was discovered that the rear control arm had rusted out and detached from the frame. Frame rot was discovered on the side rails. Car is considered undriveable and should be totaled.
The contact previously owned a 1998 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that his son was drving the vehicle 55 mph and the vehicle suddenly loss control and rolled over into the median. The accident was fatal and the driver died. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.